Economics and management were very popular – as usual. Oriental and African Studies were hot as well, with Chinese language understandably the most appealing to young people, keeping in mind that Russia-China relations are in their zenith right now.

Interestingly enough, foreign languages are popular among both Russian and overseas students. The average USE score for linguistics reached whopping 92.76. By the way, more than 1 000 foreign students were admitted this year which is the highest result ever. More than 300 come from Uzbekistan, more than 100 from Kazakhstan.

Medicine and oil and gas industry are traditionally in high demand. Mr. Ionenko says that the powers that be had to establish a cap for the overseas admissions to these particular majors because there had to be enough places reserved for Russian students.

The average USE scores went up not only in Kazan (about 7 900 expected to be admitted overall) but also in both territorial branches. In Yelabuga it reached 65.08 (among 1 034 admitted), in Naberezhnye Chelny - 62.24 (among more than 2 600 admitted). 5 265 budget-funded vacancies were allocated to Kazan University this year which is 17% more than in 2013, with 238 more allocated by Rossotrudnichestvo for foreign students.